Semi OT here but avoidance of head injury is a relevant topic.

I bought my son a Rip Stik for his 10th birthday. A Rip Stik is basically like a skateboard in terms of potential for accidents. I did not even consider the possiblity of him getting on that thing without wrist protection, and a helmet with back coverage (not a bike helmet, I bought a dedicated skateboard helmet). Since I had all the gear out, I had him put on knee pads as well which may have been overkill. But the first two, they did not seem negotiable to me.

I was really surprised yesterday to see one of my son's schoolmates receive a RipStik and no gear, his dad just gave it to him on the street and encouraged him to take off bareheaded, bare handed,first try on it ever. The child is 8. Is that safe? I was stunned but then of course I start second guessing my own self, thinking maybe I'm over protective. The family I am mentioning also rides their bikes daily, without helmets, so I guess there is my answer.

But I'd appreciate input from anyone who is familiar with kids skateboarding. I know that in the near future I am going to be challenged on why my kids have to wear the gear and others don't. I'd love to have a better answer than "because I'm neurotic". Thnks for reading.